Otto was born as his parents' second son, after his elder brother John, who died during a tournament in Dordrecht in 1352.

Albert claimed the County of Cleves, after John, the last count, died.

This caused a lasting animosity between the Houses of Arkel and La Marck.

In 1382, Otto granted town privileges to Gorinchem, Hagestein and Leerdam.

This was triggered by the Lords of Vianen, who were expanding their territory to the south-west, by annexing Noordeloos and Meerkerk.